Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum, 3 Fights Could Steal Show from Main Event

The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament began with an early exit of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko and a devastating knockout of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski.

As a result, all the hype is swirling around the rematch between the man who bested Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum and the current DREAM, Strikeforce and K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, Alistair Overeem.

Now, the tournament's second half of opening round bouts begins with Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum.

However, here are three fights happening on the same card that could end up stealing the show from Overeem and Werdum.

Barnett vs. Rogers

Photo courtesy of Ed Mulholland for ESPN.com

The other quarterfinal bout of the tournament could have the potential to trump the main event.

Slick on the mat, Josh Barnett can end the bout on the ground with a crafty submission on Brett Rogers. However his standup, while not by leaps and bounds, has improved, with Barnett making use of a leg kick or two.

So while its clear Barnett is at an advantage on the ground, Rogers heavy handed punching power is definitely going to make him the threat standing.

Crafty veteran experience vs. brute strength punching power could make for an all-over the place fight of the night.

K.J. Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal

Photo courtesy of metalmulisha.com

K.J. Noons might already be looking too far ahead.

Noons has stated that he views Masvidal as a stepping stone of sorts and is already looking towards a closing trilogy bout with Nick Diaz, that is of course after he's already captured the lightweight title from current champ Gilbert Melendez.

However, his opponent Jorge Masvidal is no pushover himself. More well-rounded and capable on the ground than Noons, Masvidal is more than willing to oblige when it comes to banging it out.

A decisive win here could jettison either of the two towards a title shot, so expect to see the two lay it all on the line in what has the potential to be either a closely fought war.

Overeem vs. Griggs

Photo courtesy of sherdog.com

Valentijn Overeem might steal the show with a flash submission from his younger brother in this bout between tournament alternates, as he takes on the tough Chad Griggs.

Overeem, a powerful heavyweight much like his brother clearly has the advantage when it comes to submission game. He reminded everyone of his abilities when the vet took a victory over striker Ray Sefo at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva, however this time he has a bull on his hands.

Griggs is a bull of a fighter and will push the pace and definitely look for the knockout, but Overeem is crafty enough that he could catch the young bulldozer in a submision if he's not careful, which is what makes this fight interesting.